Breaking News: Devastating Harris Teeter Store Shooting in Crozet Claims Lives of 43-Year-Old Peter Martin death and 68-Year-Old Diane Spangler obituary, death; Shooter Justin M. Barbour Neutralized by Off-Duty Federal Law Enforcement Officer
A senseless and tragic act of violence unfolded on Monday afternoon at the Harris Teeter store in Crozet, Virginia, leaving two innocent lives lost and a community in shock. The Albemarle County Police Department has confirmed that 43-year-old Peter L. Martin and 68-year-old Diane G. Spangler were the victims of a brutal shooting perpetrated by 28-year-old Justin M. Barbour.
_Investigation and Details of the Shooting_
According to the preliminary investigation, Barbour entered the Harris Teeter parking lot and fired a rifle at Martin, who was exiting the store. Martin was pronounced deceased at the scene. Barbour then approached Spangler, who was in her vehicle, and shot her. Spangler was transported to UVA Medical Center in critical condition but later succumbed to her injuries.
_An Off-Duty Hero Steps Forward_
In a remarkable display of bravery and selflessness, an off-duty federal law enforcement officer who was exiting the Harris Teeter engaged Barbour with their personal weapon, neutralizing the threat and preventing further loss of life. The officer was uninjured in the incident.
_Statement from Colonel Sean Reeves, Chief of the Albemarle County Police Department_
“Yesterday afternoon, a tragedy struck our community when a lone gunman opened fire in the parking lot of Harris Teeter in Crozet. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence, as well as to the greater Crozet community.
We owe an immense debt of gratitude to an off-duty Federal Law Enforcement Professional who happened to be at the shopping center when the shooting occurred. This heroic individual selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way to stop the gunman and prevent further loss of life. Without their brave actions, the casualty count could have been much higher.”
_Background Information on Justin M. Barbour_
According to the Albemarle County Police Department, Barbour did not have a criminal history but had prior contact with law enforcement, with the most recent being in January 2025. At this point in the investigation, it is unknown if Barbour had any affiliation to Martin and Spangler prior to the incident.
_Call to Action: Witnesses Urged to Come Forward_
The Albemarle County Police Department is urging anyone who was in the area of the Harris Teeter at the time of the shooting and has not yet spoken with investigators to please contact Detective Holmes at 434-296-5807 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000. Even the smallest details may be helpful in the investigation.
_Community Reaction and Support_
The Crozet community is coming together to support the families of the victims and to process the trauma of this senseless act of violence. Counseling services and support groups are being made available to those affected by the shooting.
As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock and mourning. The lives of Peter Martin and Diane Spangler were tragically cut short, leaving behind families, friends, and a community that will never forget them.
